>Let's see how many different technique's of breaking in a new softball >glove can be posted. I anticipate some very creative ideas.

Well, let's we see... here are all the methods I've heard of, plus the one I use.

1) Dunk the sucker in a bucket of water and use it until it dries. 2) Buy the magic spray that you apply, then microwave the glove. (I've never figured out what happens when the sparks fly from the rapidly-overheating grommets and buckle. Saw one charred glove.) 3) Oil glove with (whatever) and drive an 18-wheeler over it. 4) " " " " drop a SB in the pocket, wrap tightly overnight place under pillow. Next morning use normally. 5) Oil glove heavily with (whatever) and heat in oven at 175F for two hours. Allow to cool and use as directed.

What I do:

I use nothing but Lexol on leather: glove oils et al are ALL just neatsfoot oil, which actually breaks down leather fibers and makes leather waterproof. Lexol is really good for leather, it smells pretty good and it makes your hands silky soft, too. Heh.

I also think that while the instant-break-in tricks may make a glove soft quickly, you'll pay in the long run by reduced lifespan. Take a little extra care up front and a decent glove will last a LONG time.

1) Oil glove well using fingers to massage Lexol into everything including laces and straps. 2) Flex the leather where glove must fold: at the heel of the palm, at the top of the web, and through the bottom of the pocket. Add Lexol as the glove soaks it up (and it can soak up a LOT). 3) Fold the glove so the tips of the thumb and little finger meet, and sit on it for a few minutes. More Lexol. 4) More Lexol on the top of the web - grab the two sides of the web and move your fists back and forth, rolling the web between them. 5) Place softball at base of web, wrap glove tightly with string or whatever. Set on shelf overnight (my glove) OR place under pillow (daughter's glove). 6) Use as directed.

All my stuff got ripped off when my truck was stolen in November; I had to run out and get fielder's and catcher's gloves so my daughter could take pitching lessons. I did steps 1-4 on both gloves in about an hour - her glove really worked pretty well, my new catcher's glove was still pretty stiff but worked OK.

BTW, I never oil the back of a glove as heavily as the palm. This helps the glove keep it's shape and a bit of stiffness in the fingers, while allowing the palm to flex easily. I oil the inside every couple months to counteract the salt from sweat.

: Let's see how many different technique's of breaking in a new softball : glove can be posted. I anticipate some very creative ideas. : -

I always soak a new glove in a pail of warm water. Once it is thoroughly soaked, I take it out, put a ball in the pocket and tie a heavy string around the glove. The glove then goes in the freezer for a week. (Note: I usually do this a month before practices start.) Once the glove has been totally frozen in that position for a week,I take it out to thaw and dry, leaving the ball and string. When dry, I usually take the ball out and rub the whole glove with mink oil. I apply the mink oil once every two weeks during the season from that point on.

It's amazing what the freezing and the mink oil will do to give you a perfect pocket.

Joy Mother of Krystle, Wife of John, Cook to no-one. (That's a Man's Job!!) Leaves me more time for Softball, Skiing and Sewing.

>Let's see how many different technique's of breaking in a new softball >glove can be posted. I anticipate some very creative ideas. >-

It takes alot of "elbow grease" to rub in good ole fashioned Saddlesoap into a glove to break it in. Not too creative, I agree, but then, I also enjoy shopping at K-Mart and Walmart stores..................

Soak glove in water for 5 minutes. Empty excess water out. Place one ball in pocket and another below it where the heel of the hand would be. Wrap tight with string and place on sheet cake pan. Set oven to 300 degrees and bake for thirty minutes, (or until done). Turn over after about 15-20 minutes. Baste generously with glove oil when finished.

Works well on a glove that is all streched out and is too loose. Compliments of Coach Williams, Westwood High, Mesa, AZ

My daughter tried it before she asked me; she knew I'd say no. Anyway she did it without the sheet cake pan and the stitches got a little too well done.